PLANNING permission has been granted for the extension of Loughborough Railway Station's platforms.

At the moment passengers arriving at the station have to ensure they are in specific carriages of some longer trains if they want to get off at the town, but that should end with the new extension work.

Theproposals form part of a wider scheme to revamp the Nottingham Road station, with a new footbridge and canopies, and a redesigned car park.

Thework runs alongside the Eastern Gateway project to install a new transport interchange outside the station, build a new hotel, replace Burder Street and Ratcliffe Road with a new Station Boulevard link road and erect new housing by 2012.

DyanCrowther, route director for Network Rail, said: “Loughborough station is a focal point for those travelling to and from the town and these significant enhancements to passenger facilities will make sure that the first impression that visitors get is positive and welcoming.

“We are working hard to make sure that any inconvenience during the works will be kept to a minimum.”